Job Fair a 'resounding success'

At the close of National Convention, the Legion’s Heroes to Hometowns (H2H) Job Fair was deemed a success. Two months later, that declaration seems even more fitting.

During the 92nd National Convention in Milwaukee, the Legion’s Economic Division coordinated an employment fair and information expo, providing veterans with relevant career information and connecting them with military-friendly employers who were looking to hire. The results of the event exceeded expectations, as more than 30 of the 200 veterans who attended have since been hired by companies represented at the fair.

“The job fair was a resounding success. Connecting veterans directly with employers was a simple way of finding veterans jobs, but it proved to be highly effective,” Economic Director Joe Sharpe said. “As always, the Legion looks to address the issue of veteran unemployment in the most direct ways possible.”

In attendance at the job fair were corporations from many different fields, including tech companies, banks and retail outlets. One of them was RCS Retail Interiors – a consulting company that helps businesses incorporate innovative work processes that cut costs and save resources. Brett Bolman, a field operations manager with RCS, represented the company at the job fair. Bolman, who served in the Navy from 1988 to 1992, understands the value of hiring veterans.

“Veterans have a great work ethic; they appreciate structure and thrive within it,” Bolman said. “We employ a lot of veterans.”

The H2H Job Fair at national convention is part of a greater employment effort of the Legion’s. Each year, the Economic Division works with many other employment organizations to hold similar job fairs year-round.